2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships Preview: Ratz Playing for Gold

March 18, 2016

COMMERCE CITY, COL (July 10,2014) The much anticipated 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships will get underway tonight in Denver, Colorado. The competition takes place every four years and will feature a record 38 nations this summer. This marks the third occasion that the United States plays as host of the international games.

The tournament kicks off tonight with an opening ceremony followed by the only game of the evening. Tonight’s contest features a re-match of last year’s final between the United States and Canada. The Americans captured their ninth World Championship four years ago and look to begin the competition on a high note against their rivals to the North.

This year’s tournament is overflowing with MLL talent, 46 players representing six nations, are slotted to suit up for their respective home countries. Among the MLL teams represented, the Rochester Rattlers are tied for the most active participants with eight players. In the group of eight Ratz set to put it all on the line for the Gold, four nations will be represented (USA, Canada, Iroquois, and Russia).

Rattlers David Lawson (M), John Galloway (G) and Kevin Leveille (A) all have earned a spot on the Team USA Roster. Leveille, serving as Captain of the 2014 Rattlers squad, has a familiar title playing alongside his countrymen. Earlier in the week the team voted for one individual to fill the captaincy, rewarding the veteran leader with the honor.

Rounding out the remaining teams featuring Rattler players is an equally formidable Canadian squad consisting of Mark Matthews (A) and Jordan MacIntosh (M). Both will serve as key components in their country’s push for gold. The team with the most Rattlers representation is that of the Iroquois Nation, Cousins and fellow Attackmen Miles and Ty Thompson will join teammate Mike Lazore (M) this week. Lastly defensemen Will Koshansky will suit up for Russia as they look further establish a growing national team with his professional experience.

Tune into ESPN 2 tonight for the opening ceremony at 7:00pm EST, followed by the USA vs Canada grudge match at 9:00 pm EST. To see the full tournament game schedule click
here, or to view a list of televised games click
here.

Rochester will return home to Sahlens Stadium on Saturday, July 26that 7 pm to take on the visiting Charlotte Hounds for the Rattlers’ "HOT SUMMER SATURDAY NIGHT." Doors open at 6pm tickets can be purchased hereor by going to the Sahlen’s Stadium box office. Call (585) 340-6905for more information or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @RattlersLax.